SUMMARY
The Manager of Process Engineering will lead the pursuit of operational excellence within manufacturing by guiding a high-performing team of Process Engineers and Process Improvement Technicians. This role will apply data analytics, lean manufacturing principles, and innovative problem-solving to drive performance improvements through both people and processes. Additionally, the Manager of Process Engineering will play a critical role in executing capital projects and developing durable engineering solutions that enable sustainable, long-term, continuous improvement across the organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Team Leadership & Development: Leads, mentors, and develops a team of Process Engineers and Process Improvement Technicians to achieve operational excellence. Builds team capability and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and performance.
- Strategy Development & Execution: Translates organizational goals into process engineering strategies that align with business initiatives. Supports long-term operational planning through equipment improvements, process upgrades, and capital investment alignment.
- KPI Development & Dashboard Management: Leads the development, tracking, and ownership of key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with operational objectives. Implements dashboard and reporting tools to enhance visibility, accountability, and performance across safety, quality, and productivity metrics. Reviews performance data daily with Process Engineering team members, driving ownership at the floor level, and engages cross-functional partners—including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments—to ensure alignment and continuous improvement.
- Process Optimization & Improvement: Leads data-driven problem solving and applies Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM tools to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve yield, throughput, and equipment uptime.
- Analytical Performance Management: Utilizes statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) and production data to monitor process and product performance. Identifies trends and initiates corrective actions to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners with operations, quality, maintenance, training, and engineering teams to standardize procedures, improve documentation, and enhance overall training effectiveness.
- Capital Project Support: Provides guidance and technical input for capital projects, including resource planning, timelines, and implementation coordination.
- Operational Support & Food Safety: Supports day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Immediately reports any food safety or quality concerns to appropriate personnel with authority to take action.
DIRECT REPORTS
This position is responsible for leading a team of process engineers and process improvement technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Systems) is required.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive process engineering experience, along with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on optimizing equipment and manufacturing processes are required.
- Minimum of 5 years of food manufacturing experience is required.
- Demonstrated expertise in data analytics, Lean Manufacturing principles, effective communication, and project management.
- Proven track record of applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Alignment with Company Values: Embodies Sartori’s values of family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility in leadership and decision-making.
- Leadership & Influence: Demonstrates the ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive performance accountability, and promote a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong capacity to connect business goals to engineering strategies, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and long-term results.
- Team Prioritization & Communication: Effectively prioritizes the complexities of evolving manufacturing demands, aligning engineering efforts with organizational needs. Proactively communicates shifting priorities, resource constraints, and potential conflicts to leadership to ensure transparency, alignment, and timely decision-making.
- Project Management Expertise: Proven success managing complex technical projects, including planning, scoping, scheduling, and cross-functional execution.
- Advanced Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing process data using statistical and visualization tools to uncover trends and guide decision-making.
- Technical Proficiency: Well-versed in manufacturing safety and quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Root Cause Analysis, and Six Sigma. Experienced with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Minitab.
- Process Improvement Mindset: Applies TPM, Kaizen, and structured problem-solving to implement sustainable process improvements and eliminate inefficiencies.
- Communication Skills: Effectively communicates complex technical information to a range of audiences. Capable of turning analytical insights into clear, actionable plans.
- Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong, trusting relationships across departments to foster knowledge-sharing, team alignment, and mutual success.
- Critical Thinking & Decision-Making: Uses sound judgment, contextual awareness, and structured analysis to make timely, informed decisions.
- Results-Driven Approach: Focuses on measurable outcomes, aligning engineering efforts with cost savings, productivity goals, and KPI achievement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WORK LOCATION
This is an on-site position based at our Sartori Whey facility in Plymouth, WI, with occasional travel to our other manufacturing locations in Plymouth and Antigo.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Team Member is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Sartori Company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational and business needs as necessary.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
